Hiccups – Causes and Treatments

Hiccups are something which you cannot have control on as they are an impulse action. They are actually fast contractions of the diaphragm muscle. Generally hiccups stop after some time but in the case of persistent hiccups it can last up to 48 hours. Intractable hiccups are those that last up to a month. Moderate drinking can help avoid hiccups. Also it is advised to avoid food that are extremely cold or hot and also taking cold showers.

Metabolic or toxic disorders, disorders of the central nervous system and other toxic disorders can also lead to hiccups. Eating too much food rich in fat and over drinking can also cause hiccups in some people. Acid reflux or heart burn can lead to persistent hiccups. Eating a large meal, swallowing air or intake of carbonated drinks can also lead to hiccups.

These can cause your stomach to expand (distend), which pushes up your diaphragm, making hiccups more likely. You can also become prone to hiccups by doing something that would irritate the diaphragm. Excitement or emotional stress can also be the cause for hiccups. Hiccups can last for just a few minutes and are characterized by small spasms of your diaphragm.

There are several home remedies for hiccups. It is better to treat hiccups naturally as it is not a complicated situation to deal with. You can mix some cardamom powder to water and bring it to a boil till the water reduces in quantity. After the decoction becomes cool, you can drink in slowly to get relief from hiccups. This liquid can relax the diaphragm and stop the hiccups instantly. This is considered to be a very good home remedy for hiccups.

You can also use ginger in powdered form to treat hiccups naturally. Small pieces of ginger can also be eaten. You can also consume one tablespoon of sugar gradually which is a popular remedy to treat hiccups and also one that is very easy to follow. Drinking pineapple juice also is a popular natural remedy for hiccups. Eating fresh and plain yoghurt can also cure hiccups instantaneously. Nicotine replacement therapy can also be used to treat a serious case of hiccups.